Subway’s free mask promotion angers Calgarians
A promotion by a local Subway drew anger from Calgarians with the offer of a free medical mask with the purchase of two sandwiches.
The Subway, located inside Westbrook Mall in the city’s southwest, had a sign outside of the store on Thursday that read “FREE medical mask to protect you and your kids. Buy any two regular sandwiches and get one free mask.”
Photos of the sign spread quickly on social media with many saying it was inappropriate, especially in light of current or expected mask shortages across the country. The sign has since been taken down.
Subway Canada director Cristina Wells said the company spoke with the franchise operator as soon as it became aware of the promotion.
“This was an unsanctioned and completely inappropriate promotion undertaken by a franchise owner,” said Wells. “Subway Canada in no way condones this regrettable incident and sincerely apologizes for the insensitivity in the message.”
On Friday, an employee of the franchise said the owner was away from the store. She said the owner wasn’t at the shop on Thursday but had received numerous calls Friday.
“It’s not right so we took it down,” she said. “I’m so sorry about all of this.”
Westbrook Mall said the promotion is not affiliated with the shopping centre.
When they became aware of the signage, staff contacted the franchise owner and removed signage from the property, Westbrook Mall said in a statement.